Help Out the Hawaii Pet Food Bank

By Tiffany Hill

Published: 2011.08.24 03:00 PM

A beach dog from Waimanalo who received food through the Food Bank.

Photo: Courtesy Hawaiian Humane Society

You probably know about the Hawaii Foodbank, renowned for helping the state’s hungry, but what about food for Fido? That’s where the Hawaiian Humane Society comes in. Last year, the island’s only year-round, 24-hour animal shelter created a pet food bank to help cat and dog owners in need.

“When the economy declined, we saw a need to offer support to pet owners,” says Natalie Lukashevsky, the society’s community outreach coordinator.

So far, donations to the pet food bank have helped 900 animals. But Lukashevsky says supplies are dwindling, while the number of pet owners calling the society for help has remained steady.

She says the society receives 15 applications for pet food assistance per week, but it needs help building up its food stores again.

So next time you’re in Target or PetCo, pick up some extra bags of kibble and/or cans of Fancy Feast.

You can drop off unopened and unexpired pet food at the society’s admissions office near the front parking lot, seven days a week, 24 hours a day, or at any of the three PetCo locations in Pearl City, Kapolei or Kaneohe. The Humane Society accepts dog and cat food—in bags or in cans—as well as food for puppies and kittens and dog biscuits.

Lukashevsky says there’s a greater need for dog food, but says, “we don’t turn any donations away.” You don’t have to stop at donating pet food either. The society is always in need of leashes, pet beds, kitty litter, brushes, towels and more. (For a complete list, check out the society’s wish list.)

Owners in need can pick up an application at the society’s adoptions counter. Homeless pet owners have priority, but the society assists as many owners as they have pet food for. Outreach volunteers even deliver the food to homeless around Oahu.

“Your donation may seem small, but you’re directly impacting your community,” says Lukashevsky. “The pet owners are extremely grateful; you can tell they’re just relieved to be able to feed their pets.”

Want to do something for your own pet this month? For $10, veterinary clinics across the island can microchip your dog or cat, to ensure their safe return if they get lost. The chips normally cost $25. This deal ends the last day of August.